NATA Announces Industry Excellence Awards Recipients

Washington, DC, May 1, 2015 – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) today announced the recipients of its Industry Excellence Awards given annually to individuals, offices, and organizations that have helped improve the general aviation community.

NATA will present awards to the following recipients:

The ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award (sponsored by Aircraft Technical Publishers) acknowledges the exceptional performance of a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years. NATA will present this year’s award to Mr. Tony Gay, Engine Services Manager at StandardAero, for his 41years of providing the highest quality corporate aviation maintenance service. Mr. Gay is known for his enthusiasm and commitment to the industry and for his willingness to share his knowledge and insights. He is a key member of the StandardAero Augusta leadership team and is recognized throughout the industry as a leader when it comes to Honeywell TPE331 and TFE731 engines.

Mr. Jess Romo, Airport Manager at Van Nuys Airport, is this year's recipient of the NATA Airport Executive Partnership Award. The Airport Executive Partnership Award recognizes an airport manager for his or her outstanding efforts to foster relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators. Mr. Romo’s collaborative nature and strong command of aviation businesses has served him well as airport manager. He and his staff work closely with business and community groups in Los Angeles to promote the airport, its strategic vision and its value. Among Mr. Romo’s impressive achievements is overseeing a $20.5 million, seven month plan to modernize the 8,000-foot primary runway at Van Nuys Airport to current FAA standards – marking the largest maintenance project conducted at the airport in over 50 years. He has also helped facilitate the construction of new hangars through private investment, improved airport maintenance and security, and worked to reestablish U.S. Custom and Border Protection services that will open this year.

Mr. Eric Walter, Chief Pilot at Bemidji Aviation Services Inc., will receive the Excellence In Pilot Training Award for his outstanding contributions in safety, professionalism, leadership, and excellence in the field of pilot training. With a commercial pilot staff of more than 25, Mr. Walter serves as Chief Pilot, Primary Trainer and Check Airman. As Chief Pilot for the past decade, Mr. Walter is responsible for all aspects of Part 135 initial pilot training, including airport specific training. He conducts more than 50 checkrides per year, holds an ATP and A&P FAA certification and has amassed more than 11,000 hours of flight time. In addition, Mr. Walter serves on the Event Review Committee for the Bemidji Aviation Aircraft Safety Action Program and oversees the program that provides Air Attack Platform aircraft to the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Interior and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for wildfire suppression. Bemidji Aviation’s safety and performance record is a testament to his devotion.

The recipient of NATA’s inaugural Safety 1^st Certified Line Service Professional Award is Jeremy Van Dyke, Line Service Manager at TAC Air. This award recognizes the achievements of certified line service professionals demonstrating the positive impact that they have on safety, service and business success. Mr. Van Dyke’s outstanding work ethic, leadership style and willingness to be a team-player qualified him for this honor. He is an inspiration to those who work with him and highly values his team and customers. Mr. Van Dyke leads by example, constantly works to develop line service technician skills and competencies, and shares his knowledge with trainers from other locations. Due to Mr. Van Dyke’s determination, dedication and leadership, TAC Air – Amarillo has one of the best safety records of the company’s 14 FBOs. 

"NATA is pleased to recognize dedicated and talented individuals in our industry and we are especially proud to add the category of Safety 1^st Certified Line Service Professional to our awards program this year," said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks. "NATA’s Industry Excellence Award recipients epitomize the highest standards in safety, service and professionalism."

NATA will present these awards as well as the association’s William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award to John S. Pistole and Distinguished Service Award to Amy B. Koranda during the NATA Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon on June 17^th at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The association will hold the luncheon in conjunction with its Aviation Business Conference.

Contact Kim Blankenship at kblankenship@nata.aero for more information on NATA's Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon and to secure tickets.